I’m going to start this posting on a positive note. For the past few years not only has SVU been my favourite Law & Order but it is also one of only 2 procedural dramas in a world of procedurals that I watch weekly (the other is Without a Trace if you’re wondering). The characters are well defined, the stories generally compelling and the acting above par.

Which brings me to tonight’s episode and all I have to say is “ehhhhh”. SVU more than most thrives on “stunt casting” and when it works it truly adds to the show and when it doesn’t, like tonight, it really bombs. The storyline of a woman with multiple personality disorder (played by Cynthia Nixon) who kills her parents was frankly boring. Even the addition of her sister and the ending “twist” was way over the top to the point of being camp.

The “B” storyline where Cragen is replaced for a sum total of 40 minutes by Munch (although somewhat humourous – and a little nostalgic for you Homicide fans of old who remember Munch was competing with Kay on the Sergeant exam) seemed more time filler than anything else.

This by no means ends my relationship with the show or even puts it on my probationary list but it was definitely a disappointing start to the season.

My favourite of the Law & Order franchise returns with a great episode. Lots of twists starting with the raped woman who doesn’t want to press charges but is really an FBI informant, a betrayed ME, the return of FBI agent Marsha Gay Harden, a blown up Stabler and Benson who leaves SVU to go undercover to chase eco-terrorists (to write in Mariska’s maternity leave). I can’t wait for next week.